Doncaster Sheffield Airport will begin "winding down" flights from next month as it's set to close, according to bosses.
The regional airport will close indefinitely, potentially leading to the loss of 800 jobs with 2,700 more also likely to be affected. According to Peel Group - which owns the airport - a strategic review found that the airport was "not viable due to its lack of adequate forward revenues and high operating costs".
It has not yet been announced when the airport would officially close, however, it will be "winding down" flight from October 31. The decision to the shut down the airport reportedly came after it was offered public money to continue running until next year, the Mirror reports.
Read more: Major road closed amid 'collapse' as drivers told to avoid the area
Robert Hough, chairman of Peel Airports Group, said: "We recognise that this will come as a great disappointment to many. The intractable problem remains the fundamental and insufficient lack of current or prospective revenue streams, together with the airport's high operating costs.
"Our employees have always been DSA's greatest asset, and we are grateful to them all, past and present, for their dedication and diligence over the years. The immediate priority remains to continue engaging closely with them over the next few weeks."
One of the key factors that damaged the company's profits was the coronavirus pandemic, which saw a drop in passengers, as well as the departure of operator Wizz Air. In fact, the only carrier based at the airport currently is TUI.
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard said: "I’m devastated and angry about the impact it will have on our communities. Most importantly, there are hundreds of people across Doncaster and South Yorkshire who will now be frightened for their future. 800 people work at the airport"
GMB organiser Sarah Barnes said: "This news will be a deep shock to many of our members at Doncaster Sheffield Airport where GMB has sole recognition. In the middle of a cost-of-living crisis the last thing our members and neighbouring communities need is uncertainty about their jobs and futures.
"During the pandemic, we met with the Government to secure an economic package for aviation which would save regional airports. Ministers continue to bail out airlines like BA - who've slashed workers' pay using fire and rehire - but leave regional airports to struggle."
Today a Department for Transport spokesperson said: “The decision taken to close Doncaster Sheffield Airport by its owners is incredibly disappointing, not only for the passengers who use the airport, but also the businesses and staff based there.
“We strongly encourage local leaders and Peel Group to work together and find a solution for the site which will benefit local people and the region’s economy.”
Read next:
- Couple suffer 70 HOURS of TUI flight delays on Greek holiday as two flights cancelled and luggage left in Manchester
- Gary Neville denies plot to run for Labour in Greater Manchester while attacking Tories
- Her husband never saw first scan result for the cancer that was killing him - now widow is 'insulted' with £100 offer
-
Metrolink tram derails in city centre as passengers face severe disruption
